A big, modern motel costing well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars when complete is scheduled for construction next year near Teslin. Behind the integrated plan which combines motel, service station, trailer parking, camping, restaurant and eventually cocktail facilities is Wesley D. Doe, California businessman. Mr. Doe is electronic and systems equipment buyer for Nortronics, a division of Northrop Aircraft, Inc.
He is not entering into the proposition lightly, having just completed his third trip North to look over the ground and lay initial plans. Hugh Mabie of Permasteel Engineering, which firm has handled many important projects in the area,
accompanied Mr. Doe on his last visit to the Mile 806.7 site. It is anticipated that Mr. Mable of the Vancouver-based firm will be in charge of construction.
Mr. Doe plans to make the establishment "the most modern between Edmonton and Anchorage." The 20-unit motel will have individual showers and be fully furnished in contemporary style but in "the Yukon tradition."
Modern Facilities
The alm is to have the overall architecture in keeping with Northern rustic surroundings but yet have all modern facilities. Space will be available for 106
trailers and a campground with tables and fireplaces will be constructed adjacent to the motel units. Laundermat units for dusty travellers will be installed as well as a coffee shop and, Mr. Doe hopes, a cocktail lounge.
The property extends from the highway to the lake and the Californian has already done a certain amount of clearing himself, He spent a good part of the summer camped near Teslin studying possibilities and talking to tourists.
His bait for tourists was a string of fish which he had caught himself, strung near his campsite. Travellers would come over to admire them and then Mr. Doe would engage them in conversation about likes, dislikes and what they would like to see on the highway. He mixed these ideas with his own and came up with his ambitious project.
Recognizing the fisherman that lurks within most travellers, he plans to install a floating dock and boats for rental. Another "must," he says, is ice. Travellers swith coolers look for it all along the highway.
Five Aces
Motel guests will have a picture window in each unit that will frame the Five Aces across the lake when they go to bed at night and rise again the next morning. "I know what the tourist wants," smiled Mr. Doe. "I've talked to plenty of them this summer and last."
Having seen last year's forest fires and this year's rain the man from the sunny south still looks ahead with enthusiasm to sinking his stake in the Yukon.
"I'll have money and dreams invested here when I come next April to stay," saye Mr. Doe.
